Chicago Eater

Food Truck Dock, Chef-driven Food Court Planned for Loop Development

The Marketplace food court will feature 10 stalls for fast-casual concepts. One of those stalls will be exclusively for a food truck. That truck’s staff would use the stall to prepare and cook food, a National spokeswoman said. A new food truck would rotate in every month to offer patrons something new. The space is also designed to take advantage of food trucks already lined up outside the building.There’s big food-related plans for the redevelopment of the former Commercial Bank of Chicago building at Clark and Adams streets.The project’s called The National, a rehab of of the building designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham. Workers erected the structure in 1907 at 125 S. Clark St.

A food court, called The Marketplace, is planned for the ground floor with fast-casual eateries and “a collection of the most eclectic local food vendors.” There’s also space for workers to bring back their lunches procured outside from food trucks. Inside, an “in-house artisanal coffee lounge,” is planned, according to a project description.

There’s also the involvement of developer Craig Golden, who’s invested in Dusek’s, Longman & Eagle, The Promontory and Thalia Hall. Crain’s noted that Longman & Eagle’s founding partner, chef Jared Wentworth, is also part of the project. The National’s management also wants to attract other big-name chefs to The Marketplace.

The building at Adams and Clark had served as the headquarters for Chicago Public Schools. Looks like it will be ready for new tenants in the fall.